By admin 
They are flies that lay eggs in open wounds and body openings such as the eyes, ears, nose, mouth.
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They are New World Screwworms, a parasitic maggot that is on the move in the southwestern United States.
They are not in South Carolina, but the threat is serious enough the state has announced it will immediately enforce health requirements for warm-blooded animals entering South Carolina from states with reported cases.
That requires shippers to produce proof of veterinary inspection and to get permits in advance.
“Preparedness is our best defense,” said Mike Neault, South Carolina State Veterinarian and director of Clemson Livestock-Poultry Health. “While South Carolina has no confirmed cases, we are taking proactive steps to ensure producers, veterinarians and animal health professionals have the information, resources and tools they need should New World Screwworm be detected here.”
Screwworms were found in South Carolina in 1934 and eliminated in 1959.
“Officials say the same science-based principles that led to eradication decades ago — including surveillance, rapid reporting, animal movement controls, treatment options and the Sterile Insect Technique — would be used again if necessary,”Clemson Livestock-Poultry Health said in a news release.
The critters are native to South America, parts of southern Central America, and some Caribbean islands, the Centers for Disease Control said.
Where are they now?
The U.S. Department of Agriculture says screwworms have been found in Texas and New Mexico.
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“They are highly destructive and tear into the host’s tissue with sharp mouth hooks, causing wounds and sores to expand in size and depth,” the CDC said. “As the larvae develop and feed, affected areas become painful, swollen, and may bleed or produce a foul odor; larvae are typically visible in the wound oriented head-down.”
New World Screwworms are unlike common maggots that feed on dead tissue. They attack the tissue of cattle, horses, sheep, goats, swine, companion animals and wildlife.
“They cause severe injury, secondary infections and, if left untreated, death,” Clemson said.
Treatments available
There are a number of treatments available that are applied to livestock and others for use in barns, stables and kennels.
“No single product should be viewed as a standalone solution and that successful control relies on a comprehensive integrated pest management approach,” Clemson said.
“Effective response depends on early detection, rapid reporting, biosecurity, veterinary care, surveillance and coordinated action among state, federal and industry partners,” said Michael Weyman, assistant director of Clemson Department of Pesticide Regulation.
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- Be on the lookout for wounds that don’t heal or smell bad.
- Newborn animals, surgical sites and other open wounds should receive particular attention.
- Here’s who to call if you suspect seeing New World Screwworms.
- In domestic animals Clemson Livestock-Poultry Health at 803-788-2260.
- In wildlife South Carolina Department of Natural Resources at 803-734-3886.
- In a person South Carolina Department of Public Health via the regional epidemiology office or the statewide emergency number (1-888-847-0902).